God-Focused, Student-Centered Learning
As a child, Jessica Kumar struggled to focus. Sitting in her BSF class, she desperately tried to concentrate. But as an 8-year-old, she wiggled through the Bible Lesson. As a 12-year-old, she daydreamed. And as a high school student, she sat patiently, thinking about her upcoming exams and school projects.Ā
āIt was really hard to sit in class,ā she said. āThe 20- to 25-minuteĀ lecture doesnāt sound long, but when I was young I couldnāt concentrate.ā
But during Discovery, Jessica was engaged.Ā
She loved homiletics. Jessica is a hands-on learner, so opening her Bible, flipping through a thesaurus and writing her own application questions brought Godās Word to life. Through interacting with her Bible, Jessica discovered that God doesnāt just speak to thoseĀ whoĀ can sitĀ stillĀ and listen. His Word is living and active, able to reach even those students who are easily distracted.
Remembering homiletics, Jessica declared,Ā āIt was challenging;Ā that was a good feeling. The weekly lesson had application questions, but in homiletics, you get to add your own application. Thatās what really stuck with me,ā she said. āThe principles that have stuck with me are the ones that my friends shared and discussed. When our sessions were interactive it helped.ā
Jessica became the first School Program graduate in her Chennai, India, class. Attending BSF during busy study weeks required sacrifice, but Jessica loved her BSF community. She could see God working, even when she struggled to concentrate during class time.
āMy friends would ask me, āWhy are youĀ still going to that?ā I told them that itĀ gave me peace, and I knew my leaders were praying for me,ā she shared.
Today, Jessica still attends BSF. She recently joined a Young Adult group after graduating from medical school earlier this year.
āInteracting with people on BSF Online is the one thing I look forward to the entire week,ā she shared. āI really love the study.ā
Through the School Program, God gave Jessica a strong biblical foundation. She learned to love His Word and developed personal study habits.
Jessica is a BSF success story. But her experience reminds us of other students who struggle to sit and listen. For those who learn by ādoingā or āseeing,ā the Bible Lesson often loses its meaning.
But what if students had choices? What if they could learn based on their unique personalities? What if we maximized Bible and group interaction, drawing every student into the experience?
To Magnify God and Mature His People
The School Programās goal is that students and leaders would know and love God as they study and apply His Word daily and grow to spiritual maturity. Each week, we see God working in the lives of thousands of children through the selfless work of you and leaders like you who serve.Ā
We long for every student to experience a deep connection to Christ through Bible study, just as Jessica did. Through that goal, we discovered student-centered learning.Ā
Whether a student learns by listening, doing, reading, or creating, we want to reach the next generation through a variety of learning styles. In many ways, student-centered learning is simply another phrase for discipleship.
BSF is, and will always be, God-focused and gospel-centered. With that foundation, a student-centered learning approach offers the flexibility for students to interact with their lesson in new ways.Ā
What will stay the same?
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- Every lesson remains God-focused, Gospel-centered, and age appropriate.
- Childrenās Leaders can still choose an option that best fits their class personality, interests, and dynamic.
- The curriculum still provides structured time and offers training and focused flexibility for leaders.
What’s new?
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- Lessons are now designed around discovery and application, not lecture.
- The curriculum contains robust activities designed to engage students in age-appropriate ways.
- Leaders provide engaging options to students and help create a safe space for both failure and learning.
- Learning is hands-on, discovery-driven. Each week, students will dive into Scripture with their classmates to uncover the main truth of a passage and apply it to their lives.
What’s our goal?
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- Flexibility in the curriculum allows customization to make each School Program classroom accessible to the greatest range of students.
- All students are engaged and supported in learning.
- Students take more ownership in their learning and are led to discover for themselves truths of the Bible.
- Students have options in how they demonstrate learning and application of Godās Word.
Try It in Your Group
Referencing Lesson 29, we asked three students to show us, āHow would you apply Matthew 28:19-20?ā The exercise connected their weekly lesson to the group discussion. Their responses were varied and reminded us that every student is unique.
Tatiana
“God gives me the inspiration to create art about Him and the love to want to share it with others.”
Tatiana’s Painting
Jude
āThe Great Commission tells us to go and make disciples. For me thatās inviting friends to church and being a light to people at school.ā
Jude’s’ Picture
Katie Ross
“Technology helps me share Jesus with my friends. I want Jesus to be in every part of my life and that means even on social media.”
Katie Ross’ Video
Todd Meissner, Children’s Supervisor
School Program Volunteer since 1996
āMy heart would break for the typical boy in level 2 that is still energetic after a full day in school. As leaders, we found ourselves figuring out ways to get him to sit and listen to truth instead of taking his God-given energetic spirit and natural curiosity as the starting point of the discovery process. When there are times to engage the Scripture with a role play or some other active teaching events, I can see the students make the connection from the written word to their heart. When there are times for students to choose their activity, they are much more invested in the outcome.ā
How might student-centered learning help your class engage even more with God’s Word?
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May the Lord fill us with the Holy Spirit so that He may work through us to reach the youth of this world, for His Kingdom and Glory. Amen
Amen! Praying that you have a blessed and profitable time as you prepare for the study to begin, Edward!
Praise Jesus He continues to use BSF to reach the next generation to grow His Kingdom. I hope very much that BSF will continue to use the Attributes of God, the Basic Truths of Christian Faith and the Lesson Aim. Over the years Holy Spirit driven discussed and inspiring applications have come from so many children who desire answers to complicated questions. Like, āIs the Holy Spirit an it?ā and āCould an angel die instead of Jesus?ā I love the way children dig into these important learning tools.
this is the same information from last fall. Nothing new, no examples of how this works in an actual class. I get the feeling that you are struggling with showing us more than what you have already published. I taught middle school students for 30 years and can tell you that what looks good on paper does not always translate to real time experiences. August is fast approaching, and we teachers need to see some concrete examples of how this is going to work.
Johnny, we are grateful that you have been with us since this last fall (and beyond!). As we near PPD, we are delighted to share as much as possible.
This specific post was shared earlier in January of this year, and there are two more since then. Check these out for more information and content:
https://bsf-leadsub-app-prod2023.azurewebsites.net/schoolprogram-discover-truth/
https://bsf-leadsub-app-prod2023.azurewebsites.net/schoolprogram-live-differently/
CSs will be substantively trained in June and CLs after that. Complete curriculum will be shared at the CS Launch event. We hope and pray that you enjoy the sneak peeks and information between now and then, and we look forward to sharing more as August fast approaches! Thank you for your dedication to mentoring the next generation, and for being a part of this process!
I look forward to how God will use this to reach each child where they are at personally. My prayer will be that each leader will allow God to open their hearts and minds to a balance between the necessary structure and this more open ended discovery process. I am a wiggly leader myself but have also come to appreciate the security of expected routine.
The interactive Bible lesson has been a great improvement already in capturing the student’s attention and digging into God’s Word together. As we move to the redesign and seek to be more student-centred I am really keen to learn ways that will be effective in the online space.
Very good information to reach young generation with student centered ideas
Each child is unique and wonderfully created. A student centered approach is most welcome as no two are the same. Each one learns a bit differently than their peer. This will help leaders to engage and share with the students in a way that produces heart transformation.
I am really looking forward to learning how to do this as I myself am a wiggly children’s leader!
This is really exciting and I look forward to this āstudent-centred approachā method of delivering the weekly bible lessons! šš»
We have a whole new generation of kids who NEED JESUS and need to engage Him in a way that draws them in! I’m excited for the changes! Go GOD! Go BSF! And am thrilled also that one of my friends and mentors was hired as a curriculum writer! I love you Sylvia!
I am very pleased to hear that BSF recognizes the different learning styles we all have! I wish more schools did the same. I can’t wait to see this demonstrated in a class! I really liked the examples in the blog but I’m struggling a bit with visualizing what this actually looks like. Thank you for all your support!
I like the idea of teaching to the different learning styles of our students. I do have a couple of questions, however. If we are starting to get the kids moving and making choices about how to learn, what will happen to the interactive Bible lesson? Working the questions into the lesson has been successful, but it does increase the “sitting and paying attention” time. I would hate to see the materials that we are given to teach the lesson from change because they are incredibly well written. Also, will you please give us some more examples from classes that are already trying out this new system. Thank you so much for all of the guidance.
As a Sr Level Childrenās leader this year, I have longed to ask them what fascinated them most about the lesson. And let the work the Holy Spirit is doing in them drive the areas we focus on through the activities and discussion. Itās been challenging to get teens to participate in discussion online, but when they offer their observations, thoughts and questions, it makes for such rich and deep conversation and they are so much more engaged, as we talk about what they are learning. When they are given a choice of whether to use our time on Homiletics or Basic Truth or which hard questions most interest them, I find they are much more invested. These changes are very inspiring and Iām excited to see more as our roles adapt to come alongside the students in their growing relationship with God as their teacher.
I am looking forward to what God is doing in the new student-centered learning at BSF. I find myself continue learning along side the student as the Holy Spirit guides, explains and moves in our midst during our preparation, study and class time š God bless the team at BSF headquarter š The hard work, the questions, the flexibility in researching, establishing, testing, implementing and training the new focus in student-centered learning š The more I spend time to prepare, the more I learn! I guess thatās what it means to receive double portions when you serve š
Godās Word is dynamic and alive! The essence of the Gospel is GOOD NEWS, Eternal life for those who hear and believe. 20+ minutes of monotone lecture would put most of us to sleep. I look forward to hearing, seeing and learning how the Holy Spirit inspired teaching will look like. To God be the glory and letās have some fun already!!
This will facilitate participation by every child, even those with poor literary skills. Nobody will be left out and it will be fun and learning
I am delighted to learn of the new changes headed to the direction of having children more engaged and discovering truth by themselves or from their fellow students. I enjoy leading discovery myself because it gets even the students that have been quiet during discussion to open up, very excited already and cannot wait to see what is ahead. Glory to God from whom all wisdom flows as i know He is the one leading us to this direction.
Itās creates an interactive environment where students get to share thoughts & ideas with other class members
Please bring back the fill-in the blank questions for level one. It makes the students go back to their Bibles and look at what the scripture is. If at all possible, less of the true or false questions would be a great change also. Some of this year’s lessons have 4-5 truth or false questions! Too easy. Kids in level one are still very open and are willing to share the application questions, let’s do more of those and less of the fact questions.
Blessings.
We appreciate your feedback here, Julia! Thank you for sharing, and thank you for the ministry that you so faithfully give!
My understanding of student-centred learning is that it provides buy-in by the students – they are motivated and excited to participate (they buy into the whole BSF idea) because it is both interesting, and catered to what they enjoy. This is especially important for kids who are exhausted after a whole day at school.
In the years before Covid, teaching the Bible Lesson was always the most challenging, and require more preparation than anything else. I would see some kids struggle each week to remain focussed, especially in the lower classes. An interactive, participatory mode of instruction will definitely increase both participation and learning.
It will also give us the leaders room to be creative and fun.
Todd’s statement captures my heart – these have been my thoughts for YEARS, ever since my children went to school and were made to “sit and listen,” instead of learn. I am overjoyed that BSF is providing the joy of learning to students who truly want to learn!!!!!!! Cartwheels, summersaults, and high kicks here!!!
I am excited to learn more AND delighted to see the feedback from the boys and girls. Thank you for sharing!
My motto is for students to come, have fun and learn. Having fun will raise their interest coming to the class. Sometimes a student might seem distracted or inattentive, yet with patient, I discovered he was actually learning, and was able to interact with the group when required to do so. Amazingly how children can multi-task at their young age!
Thanks to the team. Quite a revolution to the children’s program and this will help our children to mature up. God bless you all.
I would love to learn some creative ideas that would draw out the older children of ages 12 to 18 years. Something that will work in an online class bringing out a competitive edge and more participation.
Very excited by the changes. I think it will attract & engage more students & increase their understanding.
How exciting! The changes will engage students and teach them to study Godās word for themselves as well as offer a safe space to ask questions and practice discussing biblical truths with others.
Weāve already begun implementing a more interactive program with our students but asking questions and having conversations within the lesson lecture portion of the evening. Our CLs are excited about the increased student participation weāre having.
My thoughts on student-centered learning. First, I applaud the effort to implement student-centered learning. It’s another day. For a myriad of reasons, even younger children exhibit a heightened awareness of world views. In my mind, student-centered learning is synonymous with connecting hearts. The content of children’s hearts are expressed in their words at their level. As we practice earnestly listening to their youthful expressions, Holy Spirit guides our words, we disciple and, perhaps, seed falls on good soil.
I love the way you worded it, Gwen: “Student-centered learning is synonymous with connecting hearts.” Thank you for sharing!
Very helpful
We have already begun incorporating the Build Community/Discover Truth/Live Differently themes into our in-person class night. Having the students share with one another around the table as we start the night, exploring their thoughts and responses to the Aim & principles of the lesson, versus starting the evening just sitting in a circle and listening only has been enthusiastically embraced by the students – they are more willing to share and participate in class, and they are becoming friendlier to each other, too – it’s very encouraging!
What fantastic outcomes you shareāstudents are more willing to share and participate in class, and they are becoming friendlier to each other. That’s exciting, and a reflection of God’s work in and through you and the rest of the leadership team in your class!
The change from lecture to interactive has been positive for our class. Still the diversity of learning styles are not all being met. ā¦canāt wait to hear more about upcoming changes.
Our children light up during Discovery and Basic Truthā¦ they have ā hands-onā opportunities. They become part of their own learning experience.
There’s nothing like seeing children light up in excitement over God’s Word, is there!? We’re so grateful for your investment in their hearts, Linda.
I just ask that you don’t continue to dummy down level 1.
The questions and memory work have really been disappointing since I started leading level 1. I miss the application questions.
Thank you for your feedback, Deniise. We’re grateful that you are leading your level 1 class with such love and care! As your class grows and learns and Level 1 questions become simple for them, feel free to ask follow-up questions that help them go deeper and make application (There are some great questions to ask on pages 36-38 of the CL Manual). I’ll bet the conversations you all have are fantastic!
Sounds exciting! Can’t wait to see it put into action!
I in general like and understand the intent of student centered learning. How can this be effectively implemented via the Zoom Platform? Will it required students (level 5) to be granted additional permissions to allow to more interactive sharing?
Wonderful change. Love to get students actively involved. I am a hands on learner. This innovation resembles me, even as an older learner.
My response is quit talking about the changes and show me.
I have not seen any example of what these changes might be – or how they would fit with time frames as well as physical restrictions in the classroom or rooms which are available.
In looking at the examples from the 3 students in this page, do we need printers, paints, video equipment?
We need to see real life examples not in words but in action.
Stick with us, Joel, and we’ll get there together! We’re excited to share concrete examples in the next several posts. We’ve already expanded on Build Community in the last post, with a sample to try in your classroom. Upcoming posts on Discover Truth and Live Differently will have the same try-it-in-your-classroom option if you wish. So glad you are here.
https://bsf-leadsub-app-prod2023.azurewebsites.net/schoolprogram-build-community/
Due to Covid-19, BSF children sometimes have to learn online. The previous discovery programs were mainly designed for face to face classes. Could you please add the discovery programs for online classes as well?
CLs are not easy to find because it takes time to prepare the lessons. If the programs are designed to easy to use, and reduce the time to prepare the lessons, that will be great.
Thank you.
There are many classes online right now, and we see that continuing! BSF absolutely plans to support online classes with adaptation options. Our goal is to support CLs and give them what they need to prepare, so they can focus on what they do best: life-to-life ministry. So glad you are here, Christine!
When will we be able to see a sample lesson?
Thank you.
Thanks for redesigning School Program ā¦ Scripture study, application, prayer & fellowship are indeed gifts from our Lord for regeneration of His church.
Looking forward to it!!
Thank you, God and all at BSF!
May we be servants in full submission to Him for His glory
Please explain more about what student-centered learning is? It seems to be very individualized, and student selected. With a class of nine students ages 5 to 8 how does this work?
Iām interested in hearing more about the new curriculum, it sounds exciting!
This is SO exciting! This year weāve had great response with our interactive Bible Lesson and moving around more in Discovery. This really helps students live the Word not just recite it. Looking forward to what God is doing with the School Program!
I think kids want to know how Gods word applies to their life now, being able to ask questions and come up with life application questions of their own is of great value. Homeletics is my favorite activity, it helps open Gods word to these students in a living active way!! and gets all involved. Looking forward to applying the student-centered learning.
Thank you for the blog. I look forward to our new format. I believe our young people will enjoy being more involved in class. Iām excited.
Thanks for the update! I find the current program to be a great mix for auditory, kinetic, and visual learners, so Iām not sure why weāre losing the lecture. As a parent, Iāve found the lecture time very helpful for teaching my children to listen quietly and take notes.
Research show only 10% we retain from lectures š The same with seminars. I wish I remember the lectures I heard in collegeā¦ I do remember a lot of the chemistry labs that were hands on š
Todd’s comment rings true for many of us.
Love the new curriculum! And watching God work in my life watching Him work in theirs.
I am so excited about the changes that are being made in the School Program. As we begin to implement some of the changes this year, I see leaders and students alike becoming more engaged and excited about coming to class. Thank you to HQ for the Spirit-led changes that allow us and encourage us to engage with the students in a God-honoring way.
Thank You for SP Blog! It is very helpful, encouraging, and exciting!
We’re so glad you’re here, Sharon!
Thank you for the changes.the discovery activities should now be tailored in such a way that they can easily be done on line since they are still mainly physical. Homiletics is still a challenge on line mainly because of time.enganging the children on line still challenging but we continue to pray.